AN organisation that helps businesses succeed says it wants to be part of Elvaston Castle and Country Park's long-term future.

Roger Moors, chief executive of Social Enterprise East Midlands, which offers guidance to "socially minded" firms, said the estate could benefit from having businesses trading there. Parts could be leased to firms and the revenue used to run the rest of the country park.

Mr Moors said the idea fitted in with the 10-year vision and plan for Elvaston unveiled by owner Derbyshire County Council on Tuesday.

The authority said it could no longer afford the upkeep of the estate and that it planned to set up a "single management body" – a collection of partners from the public, voluntary, private and social enterprise sectors – to take on the castle and grounds.

All decisions taken by the management body would be aimed at championing the vision, which has "conservation, heritage and public access" as its key objectives.

Mr Moors said it would be possible for businesses to comply with those principles.

He said: "I wouldn't call them social enterprises. I would call them social value businesses. These are businesses that would need to make a profit but would sign up to some sort of ethical approach. For example, a proportion of their profit would be reinvested into education at Elvaston.

"The message from the management body would be 'if you're going to come and play in our back yard, you have to play by our rules' – and the social value businesses would be happy with that."

Mr Moors said a number of business ventures could enhance the visitor experience at Elvaston.

He said: "I have always felt a garden centre would do well at the walled garden."

The estate has a number of buildings that could be used to house small businesses, he added.

To this end, Mr Moors has set up a new trading company called Elvaston Castle CIC – an arm of Social Enterprise East Midlands – that would seek to be part of the proposed management set-up at Elvaston. The new company was made up of seven directors, including Friends of Elvaston Castle chairman Graham Mansey.

Mr Moors said: "I am absolutely delighted that the council is looking to set up a single management body that is cross-sector. Elvaston Castle CIC is certainly interested in being part of it."

The council had considered selling the Elvaston estate because it costs £800,000 a year to run and needs £6.5 million worth of repairs.

The authority said the new vision – which would see it retain the freehold of the estate but "step back" from managing it – was aimed at ensuring it can "continue to be enjoyed by the public".

The council said it would work with the National Trust and English Heritage to set up the new management body.

EDITOR'S COMMENT

ELVASTON Castle is a favourite of anyone who lives in or around Derby.

Every week, thousands of us go there to exercise our dogs, ride our bikes, or simply just to walk.

But, for years now, the building and its grounds have proved a headache for its owner, Derbyshire County Council. Faced with the spiralling cost of repairs – now estimated at £6.5 million – the estate has been a financial thorn in the authority's side.

But Tuesday's launch of a 10-year plan – which we have already given cautious welcome to in this column – already seems to be bearing fruit.

Its aim is to work with the National Trust and English Heritage to set up a "single management body" – a collection of partners from the public, voluntary, private and social enterprise sectors.

We have complained that the state of inertia surrounding Elvaston has gone on for too long. Well, things already seem to be changing.

On Page 10 today, Roger Moors, chief executive of Social Enterprise East Midlands, suggests the estate could benefit from socially responsible businesses trading there, the revenue used to run the rest of the country park.

Such a plan could revitalise the site – just look at thriving centres at Cromford and Staunton Harold to see how.

Comments

There is less chance of getting this resolved with so many planning restrictions, user conditions, and loading with community management unless its public cash which the Council lacks. So doubt any private investors will be rushing to help the socialists republic of Derbyshire Council. Predict another 5 years delays and waste of reports suggesting what should happen.